Among the many notable facts about Fight Colorectal Cancer, we are best known for our emphasis on advocacy, research and patient resources rooted in evidence-based knowledge. The vision of our founders inspired and guided us to where we are today. It continues to direct our organizational vision.

We envision victory over colon and rectal cancers.

Recently, Vice President Biden declared a commitment toward a moonshot program to cure cancer. I believe this effort will ignite the entire cancer community, and we are about to embark on a new period in history. If the moonshot program succeeds, we will see profoundly significant work toward cures not only for colorectal cancer, but for all cancers. We must take hold of this opportunity, be the change we hope to see*, engage in meaningful discussions and push for excellence. We at Fight Colorectal Cancer stand with Vice President Biden’s effort to make cancer research a national priority. Over this last year, Fight Colorectal Cancer and our partners have worked together to increase screening, raise awareness, inform patients, and support research. Together we have worked to shed light on the fact 23 million individuals need to be screened, strived to understand why there is a growing number of patients diagnosed under age 50 and worked with policy makers to reduce barriers to care. As we continue to move forward, we plan to invest in growing the knowledge base, building partnerships and empowering patients to share their stories. Dreaming big, we decided to tackle immunotherapy and treatment for colorectal cancer. On December 2, 2015 we hosted an immunotherapy workshop with the Cancer Research Institute, a leading force in the field of immunotherapy for over 50 years. Together we brought a cohort of leading experts together to discuss how we can advance the field and unlock possible treatment options for colorectal cancer patients. In May 2015 at the annual ASCO meeting, we celebrated a major breakthrough for patients who are MSI-high (<6%) and recognized the need to keep pushing for answers for the patients who are not MSI-high (>90%). It is our goal to publish a blueprint prioritizing research efforts this spring. In addition to applauding Vice President Biden, we will have a thoughtful plan ready for how to advance and support the science for colorectal cancer. This last year was a year of growth for us, we took big steps forward. We reached 57 million people through our awareness campaign, we saw thousands of you post #StrongArmSelfie pictures and take action on the Hill through action alerts and petitions. We saw a 41% increase of patients and their family members downloading our educational materials and webinar content. But the best parts were hearing your stories. Over 30 of you shared your story through our blog, over 100 advocates came to Call-on Congress and many more of you tagged us in pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so we could walk this road with you. But that wasn’t all in 2015. One family made a tremendous impact in the world of cancer. The Hill family launched another No-Shave November campaign and we were honored to be one of four cancer charities they supported with the proceeds raised through their organization. The donation from No-Shave is the largest single donation in the history of Fight CRC, totaling over $378,000. We are honored that this family chose to support us in memory of their father, who passed away from CRC, and we take this responsibility to keep his legacy alive very seriously. The countdown has begun for March - Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! This is the month that our lights shine the brightest, and voices shout the loudest. From state proclamations to blue tutus, communities around the country will be coming together to raise awareness and push for a cure. This year, our awareness campaign One Million Strong (OMS) will showcase a Collection of empowering stories and inspirations that you can contribute to; it’s time to show others why you’re in the fight! We can’t wait to see what you will do. I invite you to join us this year. Step out and share your story, your passion and your commitment. In 2016 we will certainly face challenges. But I have no doubt that we will also celebrate achievements that will be a driving force for a moonshot and exceed my wildest imagination. *Quoting Gandhi. He said it best.

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